Perceptions of Impact Study
Mathematics and Statistics
for Aotearoa New Zealand
Background and context
Refreshed New Zealand Mathematics and Statistics Curriculum
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the teaching and learning of mathematics and statistics has been the focus of significant national attention, with the introduction of the refreshed New Zealand Mathematics and Statistics Curriculum for years 0–8 in 2025 The curriculum refresh, known as Te Mātaiaho, represents a shift towards alignment with the Understand, Know, and Do framework. This framework emphasises deep conceptual understanding, core knowledge, and the ability to apply mathematical and statistical thinking in authentic contexts The refreshed curriculum is the official policy for all English-medium state and state-integrated schools, providing clear expectations for teaching, learning, and assessment
Oxford Mathematics and Statistics for Aotearoa New Zealand Years 0-8
Methodology: Oxford Impact Study
Key research findings
How has the use of Oxford Mathematics and Statistics for Aotearoa New Zealand improved teacher confidence in teaching the refreshed New Zealand Mathematics and Statistics Curriculum?
Alignment with the curriculum
Integration of planning and teaching resources
Professional learning and development
To respond to challenges with teaching composite classes Oxford has produced new overviews for composite classes, and a video to support teachers PLD is also being delivered that offers practical advice.
Lesson plans
How Oxford Maths supports explicit teaching and learning
Lesson plans: The lesson plans are especially noted for supporting explicit teaching through clear scaffolding
Daily warm-ups: The daily warm-ups are used to introduce or consolidate key concepts, with teachers highlighting their role in building mathematical language
Interactives: The interactives are used for modelling learning Teachers who spoke positively about them saw them as helpful for whole-class explicit teaching and modelling.
Mastery tasks: ·The mastery tasks are less noted for supporting explicit teaching but are valued as an effective extension tool that promotes deeper thinking for more capable students
To respond to challenges with literacy levels required for accessing the mastery tasks, Oxford is providing ‘Read to me’ functionality for all independent tasks
How Oxford Maths supports differentiated teaching and learning
Using the student books for differentiated teaching and learning
Teachers broadly valued the Oxford Maths student workbooks as a structured and consistent resource that support learning for many students Many teachers felt the books were well pitched for mid-range students and that with appropriate grouping, they could support a range of learners The familiar structure helped with pacing and confidence:
Some teachers felt there was good support to plan across a wide ability range
There was also consistent feedback that students like the books
Using the topic pre- and post-tests for differentiated teaching and learning
Many teachers saw the pre- and post-tests as valuable tools that support differentiated teaching and inform their planning. The pre-tests were widely appreciated for providing quick, topic-specific data that helped teachers group students effectively and target instruction
Some teachers used the pre-tests as warm-ups, or even as informal ‘brain check-ins’ to reduce pressure on students
In response to junior students’ challenges with using the online pre- and post- tests, Oxford is creating printable tests to ensure equity of use.
Ongoing improvements to Oxford Maths to ensure highest levels of teacher confidence
Conclusion
Thank you to the research schools
Oxford is very grateful to the schools who participated in this Perceptions of Impact Study
Ashhurst School
Birchville School
Christ the King Catholic School (Christchurch)
Glen Eden Intermediate School
Murrays Bay Intermediate School
Northcross Intermediate School
St Cuthbert’s School
Takapuna Normal Intermediate School
The Perceptions of Impact Study - Mathematics and Statistics for Aotearoa New Zealand was conducted by Evaluation Associates | Te Huinga Kākākura Mātauranga.
